| I hear from CCNA and CCNP candidates every | | | | not to buy an ISDN simulator now, the 2520 |
| day, and the most common question is "What | | | | gives you that opportunity for future home |
| routers and switches should I buy for my home | | | | lab growth - and "planning for future growth" |
| lab?" There is no one right answer to this | | | | is important when it comes to your home lab |
| question, since every test candidate has a | | | | as well as production networks! |
| different budget. There are also CCNA | | | | |
| candidates who want to go on to the CCNP and | | | | 2520s are also remarkably affordable. Check |
| want to know what routers and switches are | | | | your favorite online auction site for prices. |
| best for future study. Again, there's no one | | | | You may also want to search on the phrase |
| right answer, but there are routers that fit | | | | "frame relay switch". |
| every budget and every study plan - and the | | | | |
| Cisco 2520 router is the king of home study | | | | I know that getting started on your Cisco |
| labs. | | | | home lab can be a little scary, but it's a |
| | | | vital part of being totally prepared to pass |
| The 2520 has four serial ports, one ethernet | | | | the CCNA and CCNP exams. Hands-on work is |
| port, and a BRI port. You can use a 2520 as | | | | imperative in learning any skill - after all, |
| a frame relay switch, and still have ports to | | | | great chefs don't learn to cook on kitchen |
| spare to practice routing protocols and | | | | simulators! Visit online auction sites and |
| directly connected serial interfaces. I know | | | | used Cisco equipment resellers and see what's |
| ISDN home simulators are still expensive if | | | | out there - and if you're wondering where to |
| bought new, but you can get a used one on | | | | start, the 2520 is a great way to start |
| eBay and go from there. Even if you choose | | | | building your own Cisco home lab! |